"But once I did the math and saw the true cost of the payments
and interest, I couldn't justify borrowing so much money to buy a
vehicle that would start to decline in value the moment I drove
it off the lot."

The experience taught him a key personal finance lesson that
still affects how he manages his money today: "Don't go
into debt unless it's to make a long-term investment that will
pay off in the future, like a home that will increase in
value over time or an education that increases your earning
power," he says.